A precise, high-mountain sheng, Hidden Track ’23 is a raw pu-erh from Bingdao in Mengku, Lincang — a village with tea roots reaching back to the late 1400s, when seeds were brought in from farther south. Over centuries the plantings settled into the local Mengku large-leaf lineage, and a handful of very old trees still stand — some around five centuries in age. Spring 2023 leaves are sun-dried and unfermented — no wo dui — then pressed to protect aroma. Expect a rock-sugar sweetness, bright yet gentle florals, and a clean, mineral line that finishes cool and long.

This 2023 sheng pu-erh vintage feels poised: light, tidy bitterness gives way quickly to sweetness, while the body stays silky and steady. Bingdao’s strong sun and dry spring air slow growth, concentrating flavour and lending clarity without harshness. With time the cake will lean toward deeper aged pu-erh flavour — honeyed wood, soft spice and layered length — while keeping that crystalline, mountain air sensation that defines the area.

FAQ

Is Hidden Track ’23 sheng or shu?
Sheng. It’s raw pu-erh — sun-dried and unfermented — with no wo dui process.

What’s special about Bingdao’s history?
Tea planting here goes back several centuries. Early seeds took root and shaped today’s local large-leaf lineage, making the village a quiet landmark for raw pu-erh.

How old are the trees in this area?
Bingdao includes a mix of ages, with some ancient trees roughly five centuries old. Younger, well-grown trees still deliver the area’s clean power and sweet finish.

What cultivar is used?
Mengku Da Ye Zhong — a local large-leaf type known for thick leaves, clear structure and a fast, sweet aftertaste.

How does the 2023 vintage develop over time?
It begins bright and sweet with tidy bitterness, then deepens toward honeyed wood and spice while keeping a cool, mineral finish.